Black History Month

Black Americans and Afro-Americans have achieved significant milestones and celebrated various successes in recent years. Let’s explore some of these accomplishments:

1. Economic Progress and Education:

   • Over the past few decades, there have been notable improvements for Black Americans:
     • Poverty Reduction: Fewer Black Americans live in poverty now compared to 40 years ago. The poverty rate has decreased from 29% in 1976 to 27% today.
     • Education: More Black Americans have graduated from high school and college. High school graduation rates have increased from 28% in 1976 to 33% today, and college graduation rates have risen from 6% four decades ago to 22% today.
     • Life Expectancy: Life expectancy for African-Americans has increased from 68 years in 1976 to 75 years today¹.

2. Quality of Life Measures:

   • Black Americans define success beyond financial achievements. According to a Pew Research Center survey:
     • Family Provision: 82% of Black adults consider the ability to provide for their family as a key aspect of success.
     • Happiness: 80% prioritize personal happiness.
     • Time for Personal Pursuits: 65% value having enough time to do what they want.
     • Job Satisfaction: 56% find fulfillment in their job or career.
     • Homeownership and Helping Others: Roughly half consider owning their own home (52%) and using their talents to help others (50%) essential to their definition of success.
     • Financial Pressures: Despite these measures, financial pressures persist, with 71% feeling pressure to have enough money for personal pursuits and 68% facing pressure to provide for their family².

3. Influential Figures and Arts:

   • Black leaders continue to shape history. Their accomplishments inspire generations. Discover the untold stories of 50 influential figures who have shaped the African American legacy in various fields, from civil rights activism to arts and culture². Additionally, Black artists and musicians have significantly influenced American culture, from spirituals and gospel to R&B, rock and roll, and hip-hop³⁴.

4. Black American Billionaires:

   • Notable Black American billionaires include:
     • Robert F. Smith: A pioneer in private equity.
     • David Steward: The tech titan behind World Wide Technology.
     • Oprah Winfrey: Media mogul and inspirational icon.
     • Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter: From hardship to hip-hop royalty.
     • Michael Jordan: The basketball legend turned business icon.
     • Alexander Karp: Innovator at the intersection of software and security⁵.

5. Black History Month Celebrations:

   • Black History Month, observed every February, honors the achievements, culture, leadership, and innovation of Black and African Americans. It’s an opportunity to recognize their impact across all facets of life in the United States⁵.

6. Views of Personal and Financial Success:

   • Most Black Americans consider themselves at least somewhat successful (66%). When asked to define what success means to them personally, 82% of Black adults point to the ability to provide for their family. However, success isn’t exclusively related to financial achievements. Majorities of Black adults also cite quality-of-life measures such as personal happiness (80%), having enough time to do the things they want (65%), and having a job or career they enjoy (56%). Roughly half of Black adults also say owning their own home (52%) and using their talents and resources to help others (50%) are essential to their personal definition of success¹.

These successes reflect resilience, progress, and contributions by Black Americans, and they continue to make a lasting impact on society.

Learn more

1. pbs.org    2. pewresearch.org    3. cnbc.com    4. fema.gov    5. hhs.gov    6. bestlifeonline.com    7.atonce.com

1. pewresearch.org    2. atonce.com    3. fema.gov    4. hhs.gov    5. blackwealthrenaissance.com     6 theguardian.com